Santiago Martinez (MS 17) joined ARCO/Murray as an industrial division project manager in 2021, bringing with him extensive industry experience working in Chicago and his home country, Colombia. Soon after arriving, he joined ARCO/Murray’s Ambassador program as a representative for the University of Illinois, hoping to pay forward the mentorship he’s received on his own journey at U of I and beyond. Now, with ARCO/Murray a part of CEE at Illinois’ Industry Partners Program (IPP), he looks to build even stronger relationships with students and connect them to opportunities available at ARCO/Murray as they begin their professional careers.

Why did you choose to get involved with the ARCO/Murray Ambassador program?

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with great managers who each imparted knowledge that helped shape me into the professional I am today. Additionally, the transition from university to the professional world is challenging, and I have experienced those challenges firsthand, especially as an international student. I want to help talented students succeed and make the transition smoother.

One of the principles I live by is, “Find a mentor and become a mentor.” At ARCO/Murray, I’m still learning from mentors, and as a U of I Ambassador for ARCO/Murray, I’m committed to mentoring CEE at Illinois students. 

 

What sort of activities and events have you been a part of as ARCO's Ambassador to U of I?

Since taking on this role as an Ambassador, we have become much more active in engaging with students. I just completed my third year participating, and since 2023, we have participated in over 24 events designed to increase the connection between ARCO/Murray and U of I. These include career fairs, presentations, and professional development. We also celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week by hosting events and panels, and have emphasized our commitment to diversity through working with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). 

I have also represented ARCO/Murray at CEE at Illinois’ Young Engineers Division (YED) Mentorship Program, where I’ve had one-on-one sessions with nearly ten students to help prepare them for the career fair and increase their chances of securing a job in the construction industry.

What has been the best part of mentoring students from your alma mater?

The most rewarding part of mentoring is guiding someone toward achieving a goal they couldn’t reach on their own. I am a big believer that luck is, “when preparation meets opportunity.” Many people have done the hard work to get to a certain point, and sometimes they just need that final piece of advice or opportunity to succeed. ARCO/Murray wants to provide that guidance and see the result of those students becoming part of our team.

 

How has working with the IPP enhanced ARCO/Murray's efforts to engage with CEE at Illinois students? 

Through the Industry Partnership Program (IPP), we have created new strategies to engage with young talented students. For example, diversity is one of my main focuses as an Ambassador, and we’ve been able to invite women to participate in a Women in Construction event in 2024. We’ve also given class presentations and hosted workshops to help graduating students prepare for career fairs and navigate our recruitment process. Additionally, we’re currently working on expanding our summer Co-op Program to offer opportunities during the fall semester, with plans to launch in 2025.

 

In what ways have you seen growth in the connection between CEE at Illinois students and ARCO/Murray, through the Ambassador program and now with ARCO/Murray's role in the IPP?

Since becoming an Ambassador and participating in career fairs, it has been great to see the steady increase in interest that ARCO/Murray has from students. Every year, more students from CEE at Illinois reach me in advance for more information about the company and our opportunities. That has been particularly noticeable among young women in construction, who have increased their participation in our activities. In ARCO, we believe in inclusion and are committed to making the construction sector an equal platform of opportunities for everyone.

One specific memory is of a student who started their journey with us as an intern and grew into one of the top mentees on the industrial team. I’m hopeful that their story will end with them being hired as a full-time Project Manager on our team. 

 

One final question: What is your best advice for young professionals navigating the engineering/construction industry?

Starting a professional career is never easy, but we have all been through it. It requires passion, determination and commitment. As an international student who came to U of I to pursue my dreams of becoming a Project Manager, I found ARCO/Murray to be the place where I could grow and help other young professionals make that same transition. 

There will always be opportunities out there, and while not everyone may be the perfect fit, each will help you build a foundation for future success.